We’re sad to announce that on Sunday, legendary MAD artist Bob Clarke passed away at the age of 87. Bob was with MAD nearly from the start — first contributing in 1956 and continuing through 2010.

During his amazing career as one of “The Usual Gang of Idiots,” Bob was one of the magazine’s most versatile artists, illustrating everything from covers, to articles, to Spy vs. Spy, to bonus inserts for MAD Specials (including the MAD Zeppelin paper model and the MAD mobile). Bob’s contribution to MAD’s legacy is massive and he’ll be greatly missed. As a way of honoring him and saying thank you, we’ll be showcasing some of Bob’s best MAD work throughout the day.

You may not know this, but April 1st is Alfred E. Neuman’s birthday. And you probably also didn’t know that to celebrate this stupid occasion, we’re stupidly taking up to 25% off items when you Shop MAD! T-shirts! Action figures! More! So stop reading and click here to get shopping! Remember — an April fool and his money are soon parted! 

Classic MAD Department

From MAD #444, August 2004
Artist: Richard Williams

GLOOM AND ROOM DEPT.

The cost for Joe Biden to stay for just ONE NIGHT in a Paris hotel is $585,000! That’s according to a recent contract signed with the Hotel Intercontinental Paris Le Grand — to be fair, though, that figure also includes rooms for the military, communications, secret service staff and other support professionals that are required to travel with the Vice President. But still — something seems fishy! Luckily, we were able to closely examine the bill — and get Joey’s take on the charges!